(a)    A local government qualifies for participation in the Program if:

(1)    the local government has:

(i)    a 5–year consolidated plan approved by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development; or

(ii)    a comprehensive plan;

(2)    the plans listed in item (1) of this subsection:

(i)    have a workforce housing element;

(ii)    assess workforce housing needs; and

(iii)    contain goals, objectives, and policies to preserve or develop workforce housing; and

(3)    the local government provides a statement to the Department indicating:

(i)    a desire to participate in the Program; and

(ii)    a reasonable expectation of the local government’s ability to provide the matching funds required under § 4–1804 of this subtitle.

(b)    The workforce housing element in the 5–year consolidated plan or the comprehensive plan of a qualifying local government may include:

(1)    preservation and renovation of existing housing stock;

(2)    redevelopment of existing residential areas;

(3)    streamlined regulatory processes and reduced regulatory fees for construction or renovation;

(4)    financial incentives for construction and renovation including local property tax credits;

(5)    special zoning regulations for construction and renovation including inclusionary zoning;

(6)    efforts to preserve workforce housing stock for subsequent first–time homebuyers and renters;

(7)    coordination with neighboring jurisdictions;

(8)    coordination with private sector employers; and

(9)    leveraging of federal financial assistance.